My interest in teaching English has grown out of my research with immigrant Latina women in North Carolina. Then, as a faculty member in public health at UNC, I was interested in these women's perceptions of quality health care. Using both photographs and short questionnaires, we explored issues related to language, interpersonal communication, and cost in the choice to use (western) available health services in North Carolina or to rely on traditional health services, available in small store fronts locally. One of the findings is that women with more education and some ability to speak English were more likely to use services offered by UNC hospitals, other area hospitals and health departments.

I have tutored adult Latina women through a community program. I have also tutored native Spanish and youth of high school age. During the past 4 fall semesters, I have taught SAT writing, grammar and TOEFL speaking to high school students, hopeful of attending college in the U.S., at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China.

With respect to certifications, which are important, I have both a TEFL certification, earned through Bridge-Linguatec. I took the course in Santiago, Chile; our practice teaching was done with local residents, interested in improving their English. I also have K-12 Certification for teaching ESL in North Carolina.

My strengths are in grammar, pronunciation, writing, all mixed with a dose of humor. English is a dynamic language, which allow is to grow and stretch when new knowledge is created. At the same time, rules and exceptions to rules are almost 50/50. It can be frustrating to a learner. A joke or two adds levity, reduces tension and relaxes the learner, producing much, much better outcomes for all.